The project assignment

The classroom buzzed with energy as Professor Taehyung stepped to the front, a stack of project guidelines in hand. His deep voice instantly hushed the room.

"I'll be assigning you to groups for this project," he announced, scanning the rows of students. "It will make up a significant portion of your final grade, so I expect each of you to take it seriously."

Jungkook straightened in his seat, nerves and curiosity coiling together in his chest. Taehyung began calling out names, pairing students in groups of three and four. Jungkook held his breath as the professor flipped to the next page.

"Jeon Jungkook," Taehyung said, eyes briefly meeting his. "You'll be working with Eunwoo, Mia, and Soo-hyun."

Jungkook nodded, glancing over at his new teammates. Eunwoo gave him a friendly nod and a small smile, which Jungkook returned with a polite one of his own.

After class, as Jungkook packed up his things, Eunwoo walked over, his tone casual but warm.

"So," Eunwoo said, slinging his bag over his shoulder, "looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together."

Jungkook smiled. "Yeah. Let's give it our best shot."

They exchanged numbers and agreed to meet the next day at a nearby café to plan their approach. As Jungkook stepped out of the building, the chill of the afternoon air nipped at his skin, but his mind was still lingering on the way Taehyung's eyes had flicked toward him while announcing the group.

Over the next few days, the group met regularly—sometimes at the cozy campus café, sometimes at Eunwoo's place, where his living room doubled as a study space. Jungkook threw himself into the project, taking notes, organizing files, and managing timelines. He liked the sense of purpose it gave him, and working with Eunwoo was surprisingly easy. He was smart, composed, and always encouraging.

One evening, Jungkook was rushing down the stairs with his bag slung over his shoulder when the front door opened, revealing Taehyung returning from work. The professor looked tired, his blazer slightly rumpled, the shadows under his eyes darker than usual—but his gaze sharpened the moment he saw Jungkook.

"You're heading out?" Taehyung asked, his tone cool.

Jungkook nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Yeah. We're meeting at the café again. Project stuff."

Taehyung was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. "This project seems to require a lot of meetings."

Jungkook smiled lightly, unaware of the subtle edge in the professor's tone. "It's a big one. We're trying to stay on top of it. Eunwoo's been great at helping us coordinate."

At the mention of the name, Taehyung's jaw tensed ever so slightly. "I see."

"I'll be back before it gets too late," Jungkook added, turning toward the door.

Taehyung gave a curt nod. "Don't overdo it."

"I won't," Jungkook said with a small wave before stepping out.

The café was warm and filled with the soft hum of conversation when Jungkook arrived. His group was already seated near the window, drinks in hand and notes spread out.

"Hey, Jungkook!" Mia greeted cheerfully.

Eunwoo looked up and smiled. "Right on time, as always."

Jungkook slid into the seat beside him. "Couldn't let you guys have all the fun without me."

They dived into discussion, and by the end of the evening, they had nearly completed a major section of their project. Eunwoo clapped Jungkook on the back, his tone light.

"You've really been carrying this team, you know. Don't think we haven't noticed."

Jungkook blushed, laughing softly. "I'm just trying to keep us all afloat."

Back home, the house was quiet. Taehyung was in the living room, laptop open on his lap, though his eyes weren't on the screen. He looked up as Jungkook stepped in, brushing snowflakes from his hair.

"You're back," Taehyung said, his voice softer now.

Jungkook nodded, setting down his bag. "We made good progress tonight. I think we'll be able to finish ahead of schedule."

"That's good," Taehyung replied, though his gaze lingered on Jungkook longer than necessary.

There was something heavy in the silence that followed. Jungkook looked at him, curious. "You okay?"

Taehyung blinked, then looked away. "Just tired."

Jungkook smiled. "Same here. Good night, Taehyung."

He started toward his room, but Taehyung's voice stopped him.

"Jungkook."

He turned back. "Yeah?"

Taehyung's eyes met his, something uncertain flickering in them. "Be careful about staying out too late."

Jungkook's heart did a strange little skip. "I will."

He disappeared into his room, leaving Taehyung sitting in the quiet hum of the living room, still staring at the spot where Jungkook had stood—wondering when that boy had become the one thought he couldn't shake.